From Quest Diagnostics:
Quest Diagnostics Improves Healthcare Access for Underserved With New Facility in Bridgeport. Bridgeport Director of Health & Social Services Kristin duBay Horton and Optimus Health Care Join Quest Diagnostics to Mark Occasion on December 6th. New facility located on 970 East Main Street
Quest Diagnostics, the world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced the opening of a new healthcare facility at 970 East Main Street in Bridgeport, offering area patients improved convenience and access to comprehensive testing services.
“This new patient service center is the embodiment of how government, non-profit social services and businesses can work together help bridge health disparities in Bridgeport,” said Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health & Social Services, City of Bridgeport. “Quest Diagnostics’ technology will bring more efficient processes and employ the latest lab technology to the benefit our whole community.”
The upgraded patient service center, where specimens are collected for laboratory testing, will bring a new level of service for local, historically underserved patients.
“We applaud Quest Diagnostics for their ongoing commitment to the Bridgeport community. Improving medical services has a direct link to our community’s overall public health and elevates the entire region’s quality of life. With this new storefront facility up and running, patients of our nearby clinic will have greater access to laboratory testing services–right in their community, within walking distance from us,” said CEO Ludwig Spinelli, CEO of Optimus Health Care, Inc., the largest provider of primary health care services in Southwestern CT, with a mission to provide comprehensive health care services to all residents, regardless, of race, income and insurance status.
In addition to the 970 East Main Street location, Quest Diagnostics operates four more Patient Service Centers in the Bridgeport area. There are 90 Quest Diagnostics locations serving patients throughout the state of Connecticut, as well as patient service teams calling on nursing homes and private residences in the community.
The Quest Diagnostics Connecticut laboratory, located in Wallingford, provides a broad menu of diagnostic testing services for thousands of Connecticut patients each day. The lab also provides reference testing for the majority of hospitals within the state. Rapid response, or STAT, testing for the surrounding area is performed in the company’s Stratford Rapid Response Laboratory.
“At Quest Diagnostics, our focus is on understanding and meeting the needs of our clients and patients to ensure their convenient access to quality care,” said Michele McHugh, Managing Director of Quest Diagnostics in the Connecticut region. “Our employees care deeply about the health and well-being of the people of Bridgeport, and we’re proud to be serving the community with this new facility.
In addition to providing quality care to patients across the state, Quest Diagnostics has long provided free care to underserved patients through numerous Bridgeport community health centers. Dating back to the mid 1990’s, Quest Diagnostics has supported the AmeriCares Free Clinics with free services in Connecticut, and was recognized for that relationship in 2001 by former First Lady Barbara Bush. Quest Diagnostics Connecticut employees volunteer in numerous community events, including the October Making Strides Against Breast Cancer New Haven walk, organized by the company’s employee-elected national charity the American Cancer Society, as well as provides support to local organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and numerous local shelters, among others.
The new patient service center opening was commemorated on December 6, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Bridgeport Director of Health & Social Services Kristin duBay Horton attended and described how the facilities will impact public health. The event also included Optimus CEO Ludwig Spinelli, COO Thomas Hill and Medical Director Dr. Richard Torres, who discussed the importance of the new facility to the nearby underserved community. A ribbon cutting ceremony and other festivities to celebrate the occasion followed leader remarks.
The new Bridgeport Patient Service Center is located at 970 East Main Street in Bridgeport. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Appointments may be made at www.questdiagnostics.com.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: www.QuestDiagnostics.com.
*** Now this is good news for Bpt’s East Side, no? ***
I think this is a good thing for Bridgeport and a good thing for people who have very little access to health care.